DECC is responsible for the UK's contribution to developing the international nuclear safeguards regimes. This aims to ensure the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Euratom safeguards regimes are technically equipped to provide the assurances demanded of them by the international community (e.g. to develop and implement new safeguards strengthening measures), and also to ensure that nuclear non-proliferation policy properly reflects safeguards and verification-related considerations.
The UK Safeguards Support Programme provides technical advice and services relevant to safeguards and non-proliferation. It is currently managed by the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) on behalf of DECC, and part of the programme constitutes the UK Safeguards Programme (UKSP) to the IAEA.
DECC maintains an involvement in international safeguards-related organisations such as the European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) and the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM).
Responsibility for overseeing compliance with the UK commitment to the international safeguards regimes belongs to the UK Safeguards Office in the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), an agency of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Information can be found on the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR): Nuclear safeguards web page.
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